Optics for hunting revolvers?

[Jacks Grampa]

Iron sights are out for these 70 year old eyes so I need something else. Scope, red dot or other. Looking for suggestions. I'll be hunting deer and the occasional elk if I can get close enough. 100 yard max on deer and a bit more on elk. Thanks, James

 

[Hammertime1]

I have done a lot of deer hunting with my 357 revolver. Have tried fixed 2X and variable scopes, but by far the best for me was a red dot. No need for anything else when you limit to 100 yds.

 

[pdugas]

I have both scopes and red dots . For shots over 50 yards, I prefer a scope.

 

[rr2030]

Red dot for me.

 

[JEFFPPC]

The problem with red dots is that though the dot is very visible in poor lighting the FOV is often dark and it can be hard to pick out an animal. Best scope I used/ still have is a Burris 1x with a 4 inch dot they made up for me at my request. That's when the gentleman who started Burris, I think his name was Richard, was only a phone call away. I think the produced that scope then for a short while promoted as for Law Enforcrment. Than I asked him for a similar scope on 3x with adjustable paralles and clicker turrents. He did. Dumb me sold that one later on. He ran the compnany but was interested in what real folks wanted, not what the marketing people told him. At that t.ime he charged me around 150.00 for each but would not accept payment until I used them and was satisfied. It was certainly a different world.

 

[Bob R]

I have used 30mm Tube UltraDot and MatchDot Sights for several years on Handguns. (NOTE: I do have one 1" UltraDot that came on a handgun I bought. 30mm is much better). My 480 Ruger Super RedHawk has a 30mm MatchDot on a Weigand Combat (454 Mount). The standard UltraDot will work with factory Ruger 30mm Rings. The MatchDot needed more space between the rings being the reason for the Weigand Mount. Using a Red Dot like the UltraDot Sight you will need to keep an eye on the brightness as your light changes. I hunted a wooded valley for several years and it got dark early in the valley. I would sight on a leaf or what ever every few minutes and lower the brightness as the light faded. This in not a bad thing as taking aim on object when hunting is very good practice setting up for a shot. I have always used the Tube Style Red Dots on Handguns. Another thing about the UltraDot and MatchDot is they have a great reputation for holding up well on hunting handguns that recoil.

Bob R

 

[Jacks Grampa]

Thanks Bob.

 

[poor_choices]

I’ve had good luck with the Ultradot on a few handguns. It’s not too bulky, and was usable to 100 yards without covering up too much of the animal. I loved the Bushnell elite 2-6x when magnification was needed.

 

[muleystalker]

I always used 2x Leupold LER handgun scopes with Duplex reticle while hunting with my Contenders and revolvers. It was a nice balance between power and FOV. It worked very well and still have them mounted. I even ran a few on lever actions and a bolt gun for quick shooting situations.

 

[Rem06]

Iron sights are out for these 70 year old eyes so I need something else. Scope, red dot or other. Looking for suggestions. I'll be hunting deer and the occasional elk if I can get close enough. 100 yard max on deer and a bit more on elk. Thanks, James

Ultrqdot 30mm
I had one on a 44mag for several decades till it finally STB
100yds was no problem

 

[Tommie]

Red dot.

 

[DHD]

I will ask what revolver and caliber? Some (some Ruger SA's) may need special optics mounts, but I will assume you know this.

IME, I prefer scopes for targets (Leupold 4× and 2.5-8× on FA 83's), and small red dots (Burris and Vortex on Ruger SA) for other stuff. As far as looks go, the small red dots look better on a Ruger SA, and work great (form and function). It did not take me long to not mind the looks of a 2.5-8 Leupold on a couple of my FA 83's as they are so accurate.

I do have a pair of Ultra Dot 30mm and they are easy to use and tough, but they are similar in size (diameter at least) to a scope without providing magnification. That is not necessarily bad as that dot picks up so easily and your yardage maximums will work well with just a red dot.

I will say I do not hunt with any of my revolvers even though most of them are very capable of being able to take large game. I got into a Single Action phase and have a pile of them so I have played with optics on SA's extensively.

 

[Jacks Grampa]

Thanks DHD. I have a Freedom Arms mdl.83 in 454Casull and a Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter in .44mag.